Category: Films

10 Favorite Classic Films

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Over the years I have discovered, researched, fell in love with, and collected dozens of classic films. I had a bit of a hard time choosing 10 favorites, but I hope you may find a new favorite among my list!

10. Gilda (1946)
*Check out my previous post on the inspirational wardrobe from this film! —>Inspired

9. Jailhouse Rock (1957)

One of Elvis’ most iconic films, not to mention track of the same title. I love this movie not only for how handsome Elvis is, but for the choreography in the number…what else, Jailhouse Rock.

8. Cover Girl (1944)

Gene Kelly + Rita Hayworth=GOLD. The hair in this film is to die-for! With different styles full of curls this movie is worth watching for inspiration.

7. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)

Originally a play written by Tennessee Williams, this film focuses on marital and family issues starring Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor. Apparently, they used Elizabeth Taylor’s infamous image of a homewrecker to promote this film (her scandalous relationship with Eddie Fisher, who left his wife Debbie Reynolds for her….Elizabeth and Debbie were best friends.)

6. How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)

Stars Lauren Bacall, Marilyn Monroe, and Betty Grable. The fashion and lifestyle is fun to watch. Specifically this scene:

5. Giant (1956)

One of James Dean’s 3 major films, it stars Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor.

4. Gone with the Wind (1939)

Frankly my dear, you should just watch this movie.

3. Street Car Named Desire (1951)

Another Tennessee Williams Play, this stars Marlon Brando (in a hunky tshirt) and Viven Leigh (Gone with the Wind).

2. Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

James Dean in the red jacket.

  1. Singing in the Rain (1952)

This is my favorite film because of the creative direction Gene Kelly put into it. Not only did star in the movie. He choreograph the numbers and  directed as well.

 

 

Have you seen any of these films? What are your favorites?

 

xKelsey

 

 

 

Inspirations: Disney’s Cinderella (2015)

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There’s been a hype now with Disney’s live-action remakes. With the upcoming Beauty and the Beast, which happens to be my dad’s favorite Disney movie, I have to write about another Disney classic which was made into a live-action film just last year. I had my doubts about the new take on Cinderella, but I was surprised that they kept the romantic fantasy alive. Recent movies carry a theme on topics such as sisterhood (Frozen), feminism (Tangled), and growing up (Toy Story 3). So, it was nice to have a film that was back in touch with Disney’s Once Upon a Time.

The fashion is the best part of Cinderella. Throughout the entire film I could not help but burst with excitement. Seriously, every piece Cate Blanchette wore, along with all the corsets and the silk fabrics…

The costumes were designed by Sandy Powell, and she executed the designs with the idea of  “a nineteenth-century period film made in the 1940s or ’50s,” (Click here to for more on Sandy Powell)

Here are some of my favorites from the film:

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Joan Crawford in Mildred Pierce played an inspiration to the designs of the stepmother.

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Art deco jewelry and waist fitting belts. Along with jewel toned fabrics. Sculpted hair, and red lipstick to match. 

Something similar is Jean Harlow in her negligee. 

Comparing Lady Tremaine’s wardrobe to the structure of the design by Charles James c.1950

 

 

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I loved Cinderella’s dress, the colors were so pretty. The ruffled off-shoulder cut reminded me of this design by Balenciaga from 1952. 

Lily James is Cinderella, Holliday Grainger is Anastasia and Sophie McShera is Drisella in Disney’s live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, CINDERELLA, which brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.

You can’t forget the step sisters….I loved how their style represented their personalities. Over the top, loud and attention seeking. The ruffles, corsets and use of the wired petticoat isn’t quite mid-century fashion. Rather it’s more of the modern day goth. 

Left: Model is Lady Ophelia. Photo by Foto Art Retrosleep. Right: Model is @shadowmodel87. Photo by @juha_aman_photography.

Again, with a more 19th century cross modern-day goth, the Fairy Godmother’s dress is just as dreamy as Cinderella’s. And it’s Helena Bonham Carter who is the queen of corsets and lace. 

 

Lastly, the wedding gown. I have no words.  

Which of the Cinderella characters are your favorite?

xxKelsey

Watch This: Gilda (1946) Starring Rita Hayworth

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I have been obsessing over this movie for a month now. It’s on constant replay. Rita Hayworth is amazing and so stunning in this film. She is the definition of femme fatale, or a scheming bitch in today’s terms. “Gilda” is all about, well Gilda.

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She brings life, chaos, seduction, and the needed drama to the plot. Her love/hate relationship with her ex-lover Johnny will give you those feelings of passion and intrigue. But, she has a new husband who is much older….and very rich (yes Gilda is a gold digger) who happens to be Johnny’s boss who owns an illegal cassino. Need anymore drama?

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Well while all this is going on, Gilda seeks revenge and does everything possible that any broken hearted crazy ex-girlfriend would do.

Gilda knows she’s beautiful, charming, and manipulative and she definietly takes advantage. You will love this movie if you love characters who despise one another, yet somehow find the path that leads to their love.

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Now, let’s talk about Rita’s wardrobe. Each scene, each piece, each ensemble was GLAMOROUS. Since Gilda is presented as a seductress her outfits consists of fabrics like silk and fur. The structure is tight fitting showing her curves.

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Materials such as silk bring the old Hollywood glamour.
Materials such as silk bring the old Hollywood glamour.
From the famous scene of her cabret number, this gown is the trademark of Gilda.
From the famous scene of her cabret number, this gown is the trademark of Gilda.

Rita Hayworth was best known for her hair. The fluffy, flirtatious ‘S’ wave that she flaunts. Rita Hayworth’s hair was actually one of the old Hollywood actresses that would model for the iconic Jessica Rabbit. It is very 1940s and genuinely captivating.

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Watch the trailer below and an added scene from her bona fide enterance.

Watch This: Nowhere Boy (2009)

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Nowhere Boy is a biopic of John Lennon (Aaron Johnson). Now it’s not The Beatles centric, it’s more of his early years and influences. His beginnings with music and his personal life involving his estranged mother, and his aunt who brought him up. This movie is great not only because of the story of one of music’s greatest icons, but the highlight of rock and roll.

Watch this film for a grasp of rockabilly and pinup influence. John Lennon started the group The Quarrymen, soon later meeting Paul McCartney. Their ultimate influence was Elvis Presley. They actually had a greaser look prior to their known 60’s bowl haircuts and suits, so you can see a lot of the style. The film features a great deal of music. Jerry Lee Lewis, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Wanda Jackson, and a whole lot more.

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The fashion is pretty spot on. I love his mother Julia’s (Anne-Marie Duff) wardrobe. She is personafied as very liberal and creative. She wears many halter-top dresses and full circle skirts, accessorized with fitted trench coats and boxed hand bags. Her make up and hair is the ultimate pinup look, with pincurls and a red lip.

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I love watching this movie, not just beause of the great storyline, but the detail to the period and culture. It’s a great movie to look for inspiration.

Check out the trailer below and tell me what you think!

Isn’t Aaron Johnson a dream?

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Watch This: The Girl Can’t Help It (1956)

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This movie has become one of my favorite films.  It stars Jayne Mansfield and Tom Ewell. Basic movie plot: An old-time gagnster hires a press agent (Ewell) to turn his blonde-bimbo girlfriend (Mansfield) into a star.For some of you who don’t know who Mansfield is, she is one of the iconic blondes during the age of Hollywood glamor. She was dubbed “the poor man’s Monroe” who she was compared too, and styled as by her studio 20th Century Fox. Jayne was also known for her publicity stunts, some of which you might know.

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I am obsessed with the wardrobe of Jayne in this movie! She has a number of outfit changes and each of them are beautiful. Her day looks are perfect! From her amazing yellow beach playsuit with a detachable circle skirt, to her navy blue wiggle dress. The gowns she wears for nightclub scenes are so fitted to her body showing all her curves. (Jaynes infamous measturments were 40-22-36!) The entire movie really showcases the wardrobe of the mid 1950’s. You can see the structure of the outfits, to the materials, color, and accessories that they would incorperate. Not to mention the glamor of all the hair and makeup. It’s great that this movie is in color so you can really see the details on her wardrobe. This movie is a definite must-see for you to get inspired…and maybe start that waist-training.

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**The Girl Can’t Help it is great for you to also get to know some of the music as it features lots of acts such as Little Richard, Eddie Cochran, and  Fats Dominos. The opening scene features a great dance sequence as well as the main theme song “The Girl Can’t Help It” by Little Richard. You might familirize it from Fergie’s “Clumsy”.  Watch the trailer below!